The giant was Jim Cramer, host of television's Mad Money on CNBC. Cramer's call out was his "Buy Right Now" list published in 2015.

Brave enough to confront the giant was "little David," David England, a retired community college associate professor of finance and lifelong resident of the economically-challenged region of Southern Illinois. England's comeback was not a buy list of his own, but a challenge of the quality of Cramer's list, which Cramer showed great confidence in.

Outmatched by Cramer in many ways, England carefully chose his five smooth stones, i.e. the five principles that England strictly adheres to when investing in the stock market. They include: time, discipline, diversification, education and wisdom.

Prior to this challenge, England gained valuable experience as an associate professor by developing and teaching stock market classes and seminars, including his popular "Financial Entrepreneurship" and "Financial Friday." Now England was about to apply his local accomplishments on a larger platform.

"I risked my reputation and personal money on my challenge to Mr. Cramer because no one stands up for the investor on your average Main Street. Ask yourself, when was the last time you saw the media audit any so-called 'Market Guru's Buy List?' I wanted to put many principles for investing to the ultimate test," England said. "I wanted to go up against one of the best in the business, and I wanted to prove the dangers of mindlessly buying from these kinds of lists."

And that's exactly what England did.

"The greatest thing this challenge did for me proves — without a shadow of a doubt — that investors in small, rural areas of this country can successfully compete in the stock market," England said. "The stock market isn't just for New Yorkers or big money folks; it's for farmers, soccer moms or business owners along any Main Street in America."

England continued, "Truly, the little guy can win, if they follow a successful system."

At the one-year mark, Cramer was up on only 16 of his 49 picks, "a miserable 32 percent success rate," England pointed out.

However, a year ago, when the picks were made, Cramer said with extreme confidence: "Every single one of these companies reported excellent last quarters, and with no exceptions their charts are pretty much perfectly made for this downturn," Cramer said. Even if there is a correction or pullback, Cramer said his picks would do well. Cramer wrote, in fact, "This is THE list. Go forth and conquer."

But England points out the only thing to "conquer" here is the danger of mindless-buying from perceived giants in the investment arena.

So, in a comparative way, history repeated itself. Just as David defeated Goliath so did England prove through his exhaustive study that more can be gained from a proven system than from a major television personality's decree.

England offers an opportunity to anyone who wants to learn more about the challenge results and his proprietary trading system. Go to www.davidoengland.com where investors can benefit from his Seven Free Lessons on how to prosper from Watch Lists.